However, leading Irish fashion label Quin & Donnelly are having to put their keenly awaited autumn/winter 2011 collection on ice because of a legal dispute over trademark.

The award- winning label, spearheaded by Dublin businesswomen Carolyn Donnelly and Liz Quin, survived a hiccup during the recession of the 1980s and, after a break of two seasons, went back into production, becoming an international brand and attracting coverage in the style bible 'Vogue'.

However, yesterday the design duo confirmed that their autumn/winter 2011 collection of coats, dresses and separates has not gone into production because a legal dispute has arisen between the design duo and their current manufacturer, Sonole in Lifford, Co Donegal.

The Quin & Donnelly spring/summer 2011 range, currently in Brown Thomas stores and independent shops around the country, will be the last collection from the popular pair for the time being.

The dispute concerns the trademark name 'Quin & Donnelly'.

Discovered

Although the two designers registered the Quin & Donnelly name as their business name years ago, they discovered last year that the Quin & Donnelly brand had not been registered as a trademark.

When the designers applied to register the trademark last year, their manufacturer, who they have been with for eight years, objected, claiming a share in the mark.

"We have to take a break until this is sorted out," Liz Quin and Carolyn Donnelly said.

"The matter is now before the Office of Trademarks for a decision and we will have to await the outcome of that. It's an unfortunate situation which I think everyone involved regrets."

When contacted yesterday by the Irish Independent, an employee at Sonole in Lifford said there was no one available to comment.